Empowering Women and Girls

The Challenge

When women and girls are empowered to make decisions about their bodies and families, studies show they are healthier, happier and more prosperous. Jhpiego combats inequalities that act as barriers to optimal health outcomes for women and girls. These barriers include: a lack of knowledge, choice, agency and decision-making power; GBV and other discriminatory treatment; limited male engagement in health; and mistreatment in health services. Our projects provide young women and girls with life skills and comprehensive sexuality education as well as non-stigmatizing adolescent reproductive health services.

Our Approach

Our Work

Under the Jhpiego-led Sauti project in Tanzania, in collaboration with Pact, adolescent girls and young women participate in WORTH+ economic empowerment groups. As of March 2018, Sauti has 369 empowerment workers who mentor 2,628 WORTH+ groups. Cumulatively, the 60,964 WORTH+ group members who have been reached have saved 1.3 million Tanzanian shillings (about $575,000) with loans valued at 1.5 million shillings (about $645,000). These savings allow members to start small businesses and increase their income. In addition, WORTH+ group members participated in social and behavior change communication and positive parenting, as well as nutritional assessment, counseling and support education groups.